Krista Ranillo no-show in 'Wapakman' premiere, parade

plus: Celeb endorsers of politicos earn ridiculously high talent fees

Krista Ranillo was nowhere in sight at the premiere of “Wapakman” last Wednesday. Neither was she aboard the float of the movie during the parade of entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival the following day.

The reason for Krista’s no-show at the premiere: Pacman arrived with wife Jinkee in tow. It would have been awkward, to say the least, if Krista showed up. That would have stoked an otherwise waning controversy involving Manny and Krista.

Arriving almost simultaneously at the premiere were Pacman’s leading lady Rufa Mae Quinto, co-stars Bianca King, Polo Ravales and other members of the cast.

The Pacquiaos looked sweet together as they sat side by side before the screening.

Pressed by reporters as to her reaction had Krista showed up at the premiere, Jinkee gave a coy answer, “It’s okay. I wanted to see the movie…to see how she acts.”

Would she be annoyed if she saw the scenes of Krista and Manny together? “Why should I be? I don’t want to spoil my night. I’m here to enjoy, to watch the movie because my husband happens to be leading man.”

On the “Wapakman” float, Manny was joined only by Bianca King. I’m sure a lot of people were looking forward to seeing Krista too, but that didn’t happen.

Manny stayed only for the parade before flying with his family to General Santos to spend Christmas and New Year there. After that they’re going abroad for a vacation.

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The floats of the other movies in the filmfest were literally loaded with stars. The cast of “Ang Panday” showed up in full force. Sen. Bong Revilla was there, along with Philip Salvador, Iza Calzado, Geoff Eigenmann, Rhian Ramos and Buboy Villar.

“It’s heartwarming to see the fans so happy,” beamed Bong.

There was also loud cheering for the float of “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” featuring lead stars Vic Sotto and Cristine Reyes. “I believe there were more people watching the parade this year than last year. So it’s very exciting,” observed Vic. Sharon Cuneta rode the “Mano Po 6” float, and Dolphy was on the “Nobody, Nobody But Juan” truck. Making up the rest of the parade were the floats of “I love You Goodbye” and “Shake Rattle and Roll.”

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The talent fees being asked by showbiz celebs to join the campaign of candidates in next May’s elections can make your head spin. According to a source, one actress who belongs to the stable of one network was asking for P250,000 just to join a motorcade of one candidate. Her going price was reportedly P400,000, but she agreed to bring her price down.

Another actress was asking for P150,000 despite the fact that she’s just starting out.

Actress R, meanwhile, who has already a following, will settle for P100,000.

By the way, Star Magic, the talent arm of ABS-CBN, bans its wards from endorsing candidates. So I was wondering why a number of them appeared in the infomercial for Noynoy Aquino.

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Say it isn’t so, Simon!

The next season of “American Idol” will be the last for “hanging” judge Simon Cowell.

The news is that Simon would be quitting the toprated talent show to concentrate on his own show in Britain, “The X Factor,” which he plans to bring to the US.

I can’t imagine what “American Idol” would be like without Simon. Tamer, perhaps, but less engaging.

He has been with the show since its start in 2002. His presence has helped define its lively character.

We also won’t be seeing Paula Abdul return as one of the judges. Paula didn’t renegotiate her contract following disagreement with producers over her fee. She will be replaced by TV host Ellen DeGeneres.

That leaves only Randy Jackson from the original board of judges.

There will be guest judges at the auditions that will include Victoria Beckham, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.